“Long Grove’s Community Hub- Joanie’s”

***** Long Grove is a quaint little suburb that has been a space for shopping and dining for many decades. At one time, it was the place to find antiques, chocolate, and some fine dining. One of the spots that has been around for a few years is Joanie’s Pizzeria, located in the area known as the Mill Pond Shops.

While their name includes “pizzeria”, over the years, it has been their “broasted chicken” that has garnered all the attention. But, for those who are pizza lovers, this is the place!

While they serve a beautiful hand-tossed round pie, as well as a thin round pizza, they have something special that might just grab your attention- “ Detroit Pizza”. For those unaware of what this is, the pizza is thick with a caramelized crust and is baked in a pan that is rectangular, allowing for more crust than usual. I have tasted many Detroit pizzas, and must say that this was the best that can be found in the area.

The chicken is “broasted”. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this process, it is like fried chicken but without the oil, thus a more flavorful and healthy dining experience. It is served with potatoes that will make your meal worthwhile and some marvelous creamy slaw. The bread is also yummy. Broasting gives you the flavors of fried, but much healthier !

For our appetizers ( the Detroit pizza takes a little time, but is well worth the wait). We enjoyed the Spinach/artichoke dip and the fried pickles ( the best I have had in a long time). And when Tina ( our server) brought our main meal to the table along with some new plates and silver, she said,” get ready for something special!”

She was right! Everything was served just right and the portions were better than expected. Tonight’s weather was a night that we could have enjoyed either the outdoor seating area or the main dining room. We opted for the dining room, where we could feel that at least for this meal we had become part of the neighborhood.

Joanie’s is open 6 days a week ( Monday is their off day) from 11:30 a.m. and they stay open until 8:30 p.m. ( Friday and Saturday til 9:30 ).

They are located at 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road in Long Grove. Their phone number is 847-415-2220 and their website www.joaniespizzerialonggrove.com

They have plenty of parking on premise and additional free parking in the public lots. Come early and shop Long Grove. If you have been there in the past, you will see the new places. If you are enjoying your first venture to this magical spot, welcome! You are among friends!